Here I am, 25 years old, writing a blog post about TOYS. That sounds a little ridiculous, but this little “assignment” I’ve given myself helped me realize that I am truly blessed.

Every toy that I’m about to mention, is a toy that I was lucky enough to own. It didn’t always come easy, but my parents found a way to ensure that my brother and I were never disappointed on Christmas morning. Not every kid can say that, and I am incredibly grateful.

Okay… Now that the sentimental speech is out of the way, let’s talk about important things, like Furbies and stuff.

Here are some throwback toys that were a part of my childhood, and probably yours:

1. Lite Brite – This is the reason I got over my fear of the dark.

2. Doodle Bear – Because why wouldn’t you want to draw on a bear?

3. Bop It – The original.

4. Giga Pets – the Barbie edition. Of all the virtual pets during the craze, I chose Giga Pets over Tamagotchi and Nano.

5. Sky Dancers – I still have mine and it was this exact same one.

6. Gak – Gooey nonsense

7.Baby All Gone – How the hell did they get the food to magically reappear?!

8.Yak Bak – Not sure why we found it so amusing to record 3 second clips then play them back countless times.

9. Fashion Plates – How 90’s girls channeled their inner-fashionista

10. BARBIE FASHION DESIGNER! For Windows 95, of course.

11. Skip It – I still have the commercial jingle stuck in my head.

12. Bedtime Barbie – I wanted this particular Barbie because I thought it was so cool that cold water would make her eyes close. Mind boggling.

13. Friend Link – Basically text messaging before text messaging.

14. Better Blocks – Was anyone else obsessed with this infomercial?

15. Furby – I must’ve single-handedly called every South Florida toy store listed in the yellow pages searching for a Furby. My dad finally found one while on a trip to NY at FAO Schwarz.

16. Discman – This isn’t a toy but it was definitely on my Christmas list. Thank God we no longer have to carry around a binder of CDs to play music, although my collection was stacked.

With that, I hope you all remember the joy you felt when opening one of the toys on Christmas morning and that you’ll pay it forward to a child today. Donate to a toy drive if you’re able. Merry Christmas!!